Post-Brexit Pub Comedy from Fisherman’s Friends Team
The team behind Fisherman’s Friends shifts focus from sea shanties to real ale in Mother’s Pride, a story centered on rival pubs in the West Country. This film explores the challenges faced by traditional British pubs through a narrative that combines humor, sentiment, and populist themes.
The plot contrasts two establishments on the same street: the Drovers Arms, a modest local pub managed by Martin Clunes’s character, a widower with a reserved demeanor, struggling under the pressure of a controlling brewery’s supply chain; and a more upscale gastropub owned and operated by Luke Treadaway’s character, Pritchard, who represents a more affluent and modern approach.
Familiar Formula and Character Dynamics
While the setting has moved indoors, away from the Cornish landscapes featured in Fisherman’s Friends, the film retains a similar structure marked by heavy exposition, overt thematic concerns, and a mix of humor that ranges from endearing to groan-worthy. The tension between Clunes and his son, played by Jonno Davies, escalates until Davies suggests homebrewing as a way to save the Drovers Arms.
Davies’s character also reconnects awkwardly with his former partner, portrayed by Gabriella Wilde, who is now involved with Treadaway’s character, adding a layer of personal conflict. However, some plot resolutions feel abrupt and unearned, such as a villager quickly crowdfunding a replacement microbrewery after sabotage.
Co-writer and director Nick Moorcroft appears to rely on audience sympathy for traditional, no-frills pubs like the Drovers to carry the film’s emotional weight.
Cast and Performances
The cast moves the story toward the climactic real ale awards, culminating in an unsurprising outcome. Martin Clunes delivers a sincere performance, assembling a character from the material provided. Mark Addy plays the town drunk with commitment, engaging in a recurring asthmatic running gag that involves disco-themed Morris dancing. Brief appearances by Josie Lawrence and Miles Jupp suggest they might have contributed to a more humorous film if given more screen time.
Attempts at contemporary cultural references, such as nods to TikTok and dogging, are delivered awkwardly, likened to the style of a backbench MP. The film’s argument for preserving pubs is somewhat limited, described as the "last refuge for middle-aged depressives." In contrast, filmmakers Ken Loach and Paul Laverty addressed similar themes more effectively in their 2023 work.
"Ken Loach and Paul Laverty almost did it with 2023’s , but Moorcroft’s mild variant is weak beer, to say the least."
Release Information
Mother’s Pride is scheduled for release in UK and Irish cinemas from 6 March.
